[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Matthew Levitt - Prosecutors proved the defendants fraudulently used the charity they ran - Care International - "to solicit and obtain tax deductible donations for the purpose of supporting and promoting the mujahedin (Muslim holy warriors) and jihad (violent armed conflict)." The defendants concealed from U.S. authorities the fact that Care was an outgrowth of and successor to the al-Kifah Refugee Center, and engaged in non-charitable activities. Coming on the heals of partial convictions and hung juries in other recent cases, this case highlights the strategic utility of charging terrorists and their supporters for ordinary criminal activities that the government can easily prosecute.
2008-01-15 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive